Mine-on-a-chip: megascale opportunities for microfluidics in critical materials and minerals recovery

Key Points

• Microfluidics can significantly improve the recovery of critical minerals essential for low-carbon energy technologies, and it may boost supply chain efficiency.
• The analysis shows that as demand for critical minerals rises, innovative techniques like microfluidics can enhance mineral resource recovery by an estimated 30%.
• The analysis employs observational insights into microfluidics implementation across various recovery processes in mineral extraction.
• This approach highlights potential advancements in sustainable practices, calling for further exploration into microfluidics for critical minerals.